How did David, the glorious king and warrior of the Bible, become a scholar of Torah, a pious and humble prophet, philosopher and poet?
In the Midrash, the vast body of interpretative literature created by the early rabbis, David—along with many other biblical personalities—underwent enormous transformations. In the midrashic world, the biblical text was mined for endless meanings, some with relevance to particular historical predicaments or moral dilemmas. The Bible was interpreted and reinterpreted, the process of midrash keeping the ancient texts relevant for each generation and producing a wealth of fascinating traditions.
In this book, the development of some of these traditions is examined, with particular attention to how biblical personalities such as Kain and Abel, Moses, Samson and David were transformed in their midrashic portrayals. Other articles in the volume address additional topics related to midrash, including dream-interpretation in rabbinic literature, ‘mystical midrash’, and a pointed challenge to Harold Bloom’s handling of rabbinic literature
This small but powerful volume can awaken unbelievers to the greatness and glory of Christ. It also can sweeten any Christian's view of the Lord's character so that they will not be able to walk away from this new understanding of Him without being moved
Begagnad bok."This study investigates how perinatal death has been dealt with in pastoral theology mostly within the Church of Sweden and in the Catholic Church compared to the corresponding development in USA and Graet Britain, especially as it can be seen in unofficial and official rituals. The center of the book consists of an interview study with 79 families who lost a child in the perinatal period at Karolinska sjukhuset in Stockholm during the years 1970-77. It is focused on the issue of reality confrontation. This very period is the time of change when it concerns the care of the bereaved parents, which means a change from a protective attitude towards more of confrontation with reality in terms of accepting the child as a child, seeing it and planning for and attending the funeral service. The stillborn children provide a special pastoral challenge. The last part of the study deals with rituals
Do new religious movements, or "cults" as they are often known, harm those who join them, or are they a form of alternative therapy? This objective analysis examines the phenomenon of cults from a variety of perspectives: psychological, sociological, legal and theological, and deals with some of the major problems which confront those dealing with issues raised by these movements
A standard textbook on the art and craft of preaching. Craddock weaves history, theology, and hermeneutics into an exhaustive text on sermon preparation and preaching.
Painstakingly prepared for seminary students and clergy, this book answers the fundamental question: How does one prepare and deliver a sermon? Craddock's approach is practical, but also allows for concentrated study of any particular dimension of the process
If Catholic and Protestant ethicians were asked to name a single theologian who was qualified to write a comprehensive overview of the historical divergences of Catholic and Protestant positions on ethical questions, the bases for those divergences in fundamentally different philosophical and theological perspectives, and the possibilities for future convergences of the traditions, my guess is that James Gustafson would be the one. . . . This brilliant and tightly argued book . . . will be the most important book on moral theology to appear this year."—John Coleman, National Catholic Reporter
A Introducion to the Philosophy of Religion. The authors use the methods of current analytical philosophy to help the student to rationalize the main philosophical problems involved in a theistic understanding of God and the world. The chapters examine the important classical and contemporary problems, present the ideas of major philosophers, offer critiques (sometimes offering and defending new positions), and indicate some fruitful directions for further investigation
Religions of the World surveys the major religions of the world today, as well as significant faiths of the past (Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, and primal traditions) and provides writings by noted scholars, each of whom expands on his or her area of specialization.
This small but powerful volume can awaken unbelievers to the greatness and glory of Christ. It also can sweeten any Christian's view of the Lord's character so that they will not be able to walk away from this new understanding of Him without being moved
In proposing a nonhierarchical, communal relationship between the pastor and his or her congregation, Lucy Atkinson Rose suggests that a well-crafted, persuasive message may not be the ultimate goal in preaching. She questions traditional assumptions and understandings of preaching and invites preachers to practice conversational preaching that is rooted in a relationship of connectedness and mutuality between the preacher and the congregation
It is the account of the young shepherd boy's rise to fame in Israel - killing lions and bears to protect his father's sheep flock, valiantly defying and be-heading the Philistine giant Goliath, calming the rages and escaping the murderous jealousy of King Saul who tries to kill him, falling in love with several women and distinguishing himself as both a man and a warrior. David's character emerges as a robust, yet real, hero who is incredibly brave, sometimes foolhardy, yet always full of vibrant energy and commitment which draws others inexorably to him. The characters of his brothers, enemies, compatriots, comrades and women whose lives intertwine with his are portrayed in an enthralling story of passion, war, jealousy, love and hate.
highly creative, entertaining, and thought-provoking way to examine contemporary preaching styles. In this contemporary parable--set in a homiletics classroom--ten preachers from a wide diversity of backgrounds preach, debate, and reflect on critical issues facing today's preacher